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2022 Map of Kiowa Hill

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Kiowa Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

The Rio Grande winds through a landscape defined by the high-elevation terrain of the San Luis Hills and the Punche Valley on this recent 2022 survey. Human intervention in this arid region is clearly marked by the presence of early-era water management infrastructure, specifically the Taos Valley Ditch Number 2 and Taos Valley Ditch Number 1. These irrigation channels are critical components of the regional hydrology, serving to divert water across the plains to support local agriculture.

Prominent geographical landmarks such as Kiowa Hill, Island Rock, and the Piñon Hills punctuate the horizon, while several small bodies of water like Apache Reservoir and Twin Lakes offer glimpses into the local watershed. The map also traces the boundary between Conejos County and Costilla County, following the course of the river. This topographical record provides a clear view of the complex interplay between the natural watercourses, like Punche Arroyo, and the man-made ditches that have sustained this part of Colorado for generations.